Shockwave Therapy; An Introduction

By Quay Health Podiatrist

Shockwave Therapy was originally used to treat kidney stones almost half a century ago. Now due to the remarkable biological and therapeutic effects, it is used by registered health professionals to treat numerous soft tissue conditions.

“It’s a sound wave, not an electric shock”

Unlike the name suggests shockwave therapy is not a type of electric shock therapy but actually a sound wave therapy. It uses acoustic mechanical waves to cause positive responses at a molecular and cellular level to initiate regenerative biological responses (increased healing rates).

Different types of shockwave machines can vary in the way they generate acoustic sound waves. In a radial shockwave machine, the shockwaves are generated by sending a little metal “bullet” back forth along a metal guiding tube to impact on a transmitter. The transmitter will then produce the desired acoustic sound waves and send them through the soft tissue.

What does Shockwave Therapy do?

The effect of this has demonstrated through rigorous research to cause:

  • Pan relief
  • Increased blood flow
  • Increased healing rates
  • Tissue and nerve regeneration
  • Increased healing rates of chronic tendon issues

However, the treatment is not a miracle cure and your suitability for shockwave therapy will need to be assessed by your health practitioner.

Is Shockwave Therapy safe?

Shockwave therapy has shown to be a safe, non-invasion and effective treatment and is highly recommended when conservative treatments have failed and prior to surgical intervention (condition specific of course).

If this sounds like something that you may benefit from, or you would like to find out if you are suitable for shockwave therapy, Click Here to make an appointment.

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#shockwavetherapy # shockwave #podiatry #osteopath #physiotherapy #podiatry #healthcare #quayhealth

Nerissa D'Mello​​

Clinical Lead Physiotherapist
Nerissa’s interest in physiotherapy began after experiencing multiple injuries growing up. Being in and out of clinics sparked her curiosity about how the body heals and inspired her to help others return to what they love. Early hands-on experience with a Scottish rugby club during her masters strengthened her passion for musculoskeletal and orthopaedic rehabilitation.
 
Now the Clinical Lead Physiotherapist at Quay Health, she has a strong interest in helping patients recover without surgical intervention when possible. Her treatment style combines hands-on techniques with exercise prescription, grounded in the latest research to promote lasting recovery.
 
Some of the techniques Nerissa uses are dry needling, VALD ForceDecks and Dynamo for data-driven rehab, taping, and shockwave therapy for stubborn tendon injuries.
 
She enjoys treating a broad range of patients, regardless of age, fitness, or background, and is currently expanding her expertise in women’s health.
 
Patients can expect a thorough, personalised approach focused on understanding their goals, hands-on treatment, and education in a supportive environment.
 
Outside work, you can find Nerissa training for her first full marathon, playing tennis, smiling at your dog, and trying to keep up with all her downloaded podcasts.
 
Clinical interests include:
 
  • Shoulder injuries, including rotator cuff and instability
  • Ankle sprains
  • Tennis and racquet sports injuries
  • Neck and upper back pain
  • Rehab from postoperative hip and knee replacements
  • Women’s health 
 
Languages spoken other than English: Conversational Hindi
 
Nerissa is available at Quay Health. Call 1300 782 943 to make an appointment or book online.

Jamie Belesky

Senior Physiotherapist

Jamie discovered his passion for physiotherapy through his own rehabilitation journey after tearing his ACL as a teenager playing football. Going through that process sparked his appreciation for how effective rehab can restore confidence and performance. He now has over 10 years’ experience working across musculoskeletal and sports physiotherapy in clinics in Wellington, Auckland, and London, including high-performance gym and sporting environments.

His treatment style is evidence-based, hands-on, and exercise-focused. Jamie combines manual therapy with structured rehabilitation programs to achieve long-term results and believes treatment should always be individualised to the person and their goals.

Jamie uses a range of techniques including dry needling, joint mobilisation, sports massage, taping, shockwave therapy, and VALD ForceDecks testing.

Outside the clinic, you’ll find Jamie running, surfing, playing golf, or watching football.

Clinical interests include:

  • Knee and ankle rehabilitation
  • Low back pain
  • Running-related injuries
  • Shoulder pain and instability
  • Tendon injuries

 

Jamie is available at Quay Health. Call 1300 782 943 to make an appointment or book online.